Journey USA was scheduled to perform at The Covey Center for the Arts in Provo on Oct. 9. According to a September 10 statement, the band's performance marks their first trip to Utah.
The group, led by vocalist Stu Saddoris and drummer Mark Kelly, began forming during the COVID-19 pandemic and held their first live performance in 2021. Saddoris stated that the band focuses on delivering music at a high level rather than using costumes or attempting to impersonate the original band. He noted that the performance is intended to be an authentic musical experience for the audience.
The ensemble consists of veteran musicians with more than five decades of combined concert experience. Members include Jeffrey Retz, a touring bassist who played with Mike Pinera of Iron Butterfly, and Eric Ragno, a keyboardist known for his work with The Babys. Mark Kelly and guitarist Tony Cardenas-Montana both toured with the band Great White during the 1980s and 1990s. Saddoris previously provided vocals for rough recordings of Steve Perry’s solo material.
The band's repertoire includes arrangements of songs such as Open Arms, Dead or Alive, Don't Stop Believin', and Any Way You Want It.
